Good morning, Rochester.

Workers at the George Eastman Museum voted to unionize with Workers United (the union) after a vote held Friday, Oct.

2 yielded 57 ballots among 75 eligible employees. The union will draft proposals and begin bargaining its first contract, and museum leadership said it looks forward to working constructively with the union.

Starbucks is closing 250 U.S. and Canadian stores; two local locations on Monroe Ave in Brighton and South Main St in Fairport will close as part of a restructuring plan due to low sales — the company will transfer employees or provide severance pay.

Finger Lakes Textiles won the 2026 Coolest Thing Made in New York award for its Arctic Gear line at the Business Council meeting in Canandaigua after over 40,000 votes, earning a spot on the 2027 Manufacturing Bus Tour and crediting its employees + community support.

Monroe Community College celebrated its ASAP program on Monday, Oct.

5 in Brighton — a program launched in spring 2024 that serves over 4,000 students by covering textbook, transportation and childcare costs.

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that New Yorkers ages 25 to 55 will have free access to select community college programs (SUNY or CUNY) in high-demand fields such as cybersecurity and advanced manufacturing, even if they hold another degree.

The program covers tuition, fees, and books for the Spring 2027 semester.

Rochester Regional Health has seen a rise in self-pay patients—reflecting new coverage challenges—after the July 1 Essential Plan change forced many locals to find alternative insurance, and the hospital is helping them apply for financial aid.

Leaf Home Water Solutions offers a complimentary water test for homeowners in the Rochester area to check water quality and identify treatment needs.

The company provides full-service, whole-home systems to treat hard water and contaminants (with discounts until Oct. 31 for seniors and veterans).

Four unvaccinated Ontario County residents have been confirmed with measles after Gov. Hochul declared a state disaster emergency on Sunday.

Ontario County Public Health is expanding testing, contact tracing, and MMR vaccine availability to help contain the outbreak.

On Oct. 5, Bills safety C.J.

Gardner-Johnson mistakenly labeled Patriots receiver Efton Chism as a practice squad player after his one-handed touchdown clinched a 29-26 win for New England; records show Chism is on the Patriots 53-man roster.

Voting is open for Turf Masters Boys Sports Athlete of the Week honoring standout performances from Sept.

28 to Oct. 4 by Section V athletes in cross country, soccer, golf and volleyball. Votes remain open until Wednesday 8 p.m. with the winner to be announced on Instagram Thursday.

Voters are invited to choose the Turf Masters Girls Sports Athlete of the Week from standout nominees in volleyball, soccer, and swimming as the poll runs until 8 p.m. Wednesday + the winner will be announced on Instagram Thursday.